Special Education Teacher - Immediate

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college-preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 9 schools including four primary schools, five middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars.

What We Value:

• Good Decision-Making: “I make thoughtful decisions in alignment with my school’s and organization’s values.”
• Peer Accountability: “I hold all Big KIPPsters accountable to our schools’ and organization’s values, standards, and expectations.”
• Excellence Always: “I do all aspects of my work with excellence - the big and the little things, the parts being monitored as well as those not monitored.”
• Communication is Key: “I communicate with both honesty and love. How I communicate nurtures courage, belonging, partnership, and progress toward our promise to KIPPsters and families.”
• Scholars Over Everything: “I put our scholars first, 100% of the time, without fail. I quickly resolve any and all adult-centered concerns and qualms to reserve my individual and our collective time and attention for our KIPPsters.”
• Walk Trumps Talk: “I chose this social justice career. And so, I behave in alignment with my choice. My behaviors match our promise to our scholars and families.”
• “Us” Only: “I belong to every member of our organization, and every member of our organization belongs to me. I choose unity always - in both the good times and hard times.”

Job Summary:

KIPP Atlanta teachers are at the core of our mission to prepare scholars with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Teachers at KIPP Atlanta Schools are committed to providing a high-quality, college preparatory education for all scholars. As a member of a dedicated and skilled team of educators, the teacher will play the most pivotal role in creating a joyous and academically excellent learning environment that supports the vision and mission of KIPP Atlanta Schools.

Job Responsibilities:

Curriculum Development & Instruction 50%

• Adapt and execute a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum.
• Develop academically rigorous and differentiated lessons and assessments.
• Utilize varied instructional strategies and resources to engage scholars and promote a love of learning.
• Use data-driven instruction to inform lesson planning and provide targeted support for scholars needing additional assistance.
• Provide daily feedback on scholar performance and create individualized learning plans.
• Differentiate instruction to ensure all scholars are progressing toward mastery.
• Collaborate with Special Education Teachers to ensure all IEPs and student needs are met both within and outside of the classroom.

Foster a Positive School & Classroom Culture 30%

• Embody and uphold the school’s values, policies, and culture while fostering a sense of belonging inside and outside of the classroom.
• Develop positive relationships with scholars, families, teachers, staff, and the broader community.
• Establish and maintain strong communication with families, consistently sharing progress and updates.
• Attend and actively participate in school events, including staff meetings, open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and more.
• Create a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate, engaging, and conducive to scholar learning.

Demonstrate a Growth Mindset 20%

• Set and pursue challenging professional goals each year to enhance effectiveness and impact.
• Give and receive constructive feedback with colleagues to foster continuous improvement.
• Engage in school-wide and individual professional development opportunities.
• Show commitment to doing whatever it takes for all scholars to learn and grow.
• Model the values of KIPP Atlanta Schools, demonstrating excellence and commitment to the mission.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $60,000  and $100,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications.

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 10 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance; and voluntary short-term disability coverage
• Paid Parental Leave
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Working Conditions:

This is a school-based position that requires regular in-person work at an assigned KIPP Atlanta Schools campus. The role requires frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the school; regular interaction with students, staff, and families; and the visual and hearing abilities necessary to observe and respond to activities within a dynamic school environment. Employees may occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and lift, carry, push, or move up to 15 pounds. The position requires the ability to respond promptly to student behavioral, safety, and emergency situations in accordance with KIPP Atlanta Schools policies and applicable training. Additional in-person time, including occasional evening or weekend meetings, may be required based on school and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Georgia teaching certification required
• A minimum of two years of teaching experience in an underserved community (preferred)
• Demonstrate a proven track record of creating a joyful and academically excellent classroom, or demonstrate a willingness to learn how to
• Pass a criminal background check
• Have a passion for being a part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Demonstrate commitment to closing the opportunity gap
• Leverage strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Be a collaborative team player
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity in decision-making